Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 286; YEA on Roll Call No. 287; and NAY on Roll Call No. 288.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to Washington, D.C. A true beacon of peace, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew leads 250 million Orthodox Christians.

Elected in October 1991, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has continuously shown his desire for peace, even in the face of attacks and persecution. He has championed international peace conferences, bringing together Christians, Muslims, and Jews for the purpose of alliance and understanding.

His efforts across multiple realms have been recognized by the United States Congress, the United Nations, and the European Union. His influence extends beyond the Orthodox Christian community and has been instrumental in promoting global unity and harmony.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew continues to stand as a symbol of hope. I am very pleased to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch to Washington, D.C. as he meets with President Trump.

Invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington,

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chair Latta for his leadership, and I rise in support of H.R. 3015, the National Coal Council Reestablishment Act.

Mr. Speaker, for decades, the National Coal Council was a powerful voice for coal and a timeless champion for American workers and American communities. Coal fueled the factories, powered our homes, and helped build the greatest economy this world has ever known. It is ridiculous to neglect this.

I feel today is a Paul Revere moment, where we are calling to everyone to realize that the meltdown is coming. What I mean by that is the grid is going to melt down. Simply, all one has to do is go back in time three Christmases ago, when the American grid pretty much was hours away from melting down.

Mr. Speaker, look at California and Texas. Look at the meltdowns that have happened there. The grid is not stable.

The grid needs to be redone, and every coal plant that I toured in Ohio said three Christmases ago, the call was: We need more generated power, and we need it right now, and there was no more to give.

All we have to do is look at is the opposition party wants to celebrate the European Union, and what does the European Union do?

They look for power from countries like Russia, like China, and like India to use their coal-powered, generated plants to support their grid. However, in America, we cannot wait to put coal factories out of business. Just like in my district, with the Sammis factory, Joe Biden couldn't wait to celebrate putting 800 jobs in the garbage and putting our grid at jeopardy.

Paul Revere would be turning in his grave if he saw the jeopardy that these people are putting our country through by putting the grid up against the wall.

We have to take into consideration what could come in the future. I do want to take a moment, and I want to thank President Trump and his executive order that he knows that this bipartisan committee for coal was established over the last 30 years, and it was a bipartisan approach to make sure that national security, which is our grid, because if our grid melts down, there is no security.

Particular to my district, I have seven or eight investors who, right now, want to invest in new coal. They

want to make sure that the artificial intelligence companies and the data mining companies come to Ohio. However, if there is no energy, then nobody is coming to Ohio.

Today, more than ever, let's worry about national security, let's worry that we can keep these lights on, and let's worry that this grid is protected for our grandchildren who are not even born yet, so when they say that this is a meaningless bill, it couldn't be further from the truth.

This is the bill for national security. This is the bill that President Trump signed into executive order. Today is the day that we codify this into law.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues today to have a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the East Palestine Fire Department, a pillar of our beloved Ohio community since 1875. It is a privilege to honor these firefighters who have dedicated themselves to keeping our village safe.

For 150 years, these brave men and women have put their lives on the line, responding to countless emergencies with unwavering courage. Beyond their role as first responders, they connect with our community daily and strengthen the bonds that make East Palestine a special place in which to live.

I also want to recognize their heroism during the 2023 train derailment. When disaster struck, with flames and toxic hazards threatening our village, they stepped up with incredible bravery. Their actions that night, and in the days that followed, will be remembered for generations to come.

The East Palestine Fire Department stands as a symbol of hope and resilience, meeting new challenges and staying true to their mission. Their work embodies the spirit of East Palestine, and I am proud to represent them.

I invite my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the East Palestine Fire Department for

150 years of exemplary service and to wish them continued strength and success for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the victims of the June 29, 2025, plane crash in Howland Township, Ohio, that claimed six lives.

This tragic loss has taken beloved family members and respected professionals who contributed significantly to the Mahoning Valley. Their influence on the community will endure for generations.

James Weller was the President and CEO of Liberty Steel Industries Inc., a staple of Warren, Ohio. His passion for his faith and his family inspired him to treat others with respect and dignity.

Veronica Weller, James's wife, was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, making the community around her a better place. Veronica's involvement with charities showed her true devotion to those in need.

John Weller, son of James and Veronica Weller, was known for his humor and positive outlook on life, spreading love and positivity to those who knew him. John Weller was the vice president of Liberty Steel Industries.

Maria Weller, John's wife, was a volunteer at the St. Edward's food pantry, showing her dedication and love for the community that she sought to make better. Maria's creation of a fashion camp designed to help STEM students showed her willingness to give her time and energy to serve others.

Joseph Maxin, the pilot of the airplane, used his enthusiasm for public service to positively touch the hearts and minds of those he interacted with. Joseph's service in the Youngstown Prosecutor's Office showed his desire and eagerness to keep his community safe.

Timothy Blake, the co-pilot of the airplane, used his fondness for aviation to train the next generation of pilots at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport.

I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring and remembering those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 160; YEA on Roll Call No. 161; YEA on Roll Call No. 162; and YEA on Roll Call No. 163.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 104, and YEA on Roll Call No. 103.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Youngstown State women's bowling team on winning the 2025 NCAA bowling championship over Jacksonville State on April 12, 2025.

In the ``Entertainment Capital of the World'', Las Vegas, the Youngstown State women's bowling team certainly put on a show. The path to the championship was vigorous, playing against very tough competition to secure the championship win.

The Penguins cruised through the regional rounds on the way to the championship and in the semifinals, the Penguins fell short to Jacksonville State 2-1. In the finals, the Penguins defeated the No. 2 seed 2-0 to advance to the national championship against Jacksonville State.

Looking for revenge, the Penguins came out of the gate swinging, winning the first two games by the scores of 204-199 and 248-210. The Penguins threw five strikes in the final four frames to win the first match and threw a strike on each of their final eight rolls in the second game. After Jacksonville State won game 3, the Penguins won game 4, taking a 3-1 lead and one win away from the glory. Games 5 and 6 were won by Jacksonville State to even the series 3-3. In game 7, the Penguins started strongly. Strikes and spares were the theme for the Penguins, showing the consistency that led them to the national championship game. With every strike and spare, the crowd roared, bringing the team one step closer to immortality. After back-to-back strikes to end the game, the team embraced, realizing their dreams and all their hard work had come to fruition. The Penguins forever etched themselves into history as champions.

I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Youngstown State women's bowling team's players, coaches, staff, families, and friends as we celebrate this historic victory and national championship. Go Penguins.

Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 61.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Ms. Dawn Baker for her service in my office and to the people of the Ohio Sixth District. For seven years. Ms. Baker has dedicated herself to the aid of my constituents and I am proud to have witnessed the positive impact her work has created.

Dawn began her journey of public service at Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government. While attending university, she met her husband of 24 years and the father of their two exceptional daughters, Jason Baker. She dedicated herself fully to her family, taking an active role in her children's education and their passion for athletics. In 2017, she decided to put her degree to use as an advocate for the people of Ohio within the office of former Congressman Bill Johnson.

Under the administration of my predecessor, Dawn began her federal career as a Field Representative and caseworker. Being a delegate for OH-06, she took great pride in going out in public and listening to the needs of the people. She worked diligently and, within a few short years, was promoted to Director of Outreach; mentoring those under her tutelage in all aspects of championing the residents of our district.

I have known Dawn and her family both personally and professionally for many years, so upon my election to this esteemed office, I was pleased to make her my Director of Constituent Services. In this role, Dawn has been on the front lines of my office answering calls to assist my constituents. She saw firsthand the struggles many in East and Southeast Ohio face and has never wavered in her commitment. Dawn's strength is one of her greatest assets, affording her the will to get the job done, but so too is her compassionate spirit as she works tireless]y to assist in any way she can.

As we, the Members of the House of Representatives well know, our staff are often the unsung heroes working hard behind the scenes. So, I ask you today to assist me in thanking Ms. Dawn Baker for her many years of vigorous and dedicated work for the people of Ohio's Sixth District and the Nation, and I wish her the best in her next endeavor.

Mr. Speaker, I stand here today in support of H.R. 28, and I urge the House to pass this bill.

There is no reason we should even be having this conversation right now. H.R. 28 is a women's rights bill to protect Title IX, which was constructed to protect women's rights.

This first came on my radar while I was a member of the Ohio Senate. I had a lesbian couple shopping in my store, and they asked me to step aside to talk to me for a minute. They said that I needed to protect women's sports. We had Title IX. Since we had Stonewall 50 years ago, this couple told me, they have worked their entire life for women's rights.

What my opposition party is doing is blurring the lines of what is a woman and what is a man.

My daughter has played soccer her entire life. She is scared to death to play right now. She has seen the videos of what trans athletes have been doing to women athletes, as far as breaking their faces in volleyball, basketball, and baseball.

We do not have a clear, level playing field when we have the trans community participating in women's sports. We need to protect the concept of the woman, and women must be protected.

H.R. 28 is the only path forward. It is shameful that the opposition party does not support the protection of women.

We have to define what a woman is again, and H.R. 28 is the only vehicle that could actually protect women in America, whether it is in high school or whether it is in college, for them to pursue their dreams.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with my colleague, The Honorable Troy Balderson, to congratulate the Indian Valley Braves on their victory over the Sandusky Perkins Pirates in the 2024 Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV Football State Championship.

Attendance topped 7,000 in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium that Saturday night, December 7, 2024. Amidst freezing and rainy conditions, the Perkins Pirates scored first to lead 7-0. The Braves responded with a touchdown but missed the extra point making the game 7-6. On the following kickoff, Sandusky Perkins fumbled, and Indian Valley recovered. They capitalized by driving down the field for a touchdown and successfully executed a two-point conversion pulling ahead 14-7. This back-and-forth battle characterized the game as neither team punted all night.

Heading into the fourth quarter, Indian Valley trailed Sandusky Perkins 36-29. The Braves drove back down the field and scored their fifth rushing touchdown of the game making the score 36-35. They took a risk by trying for a two-point conversion and were successful. The Braves' defense held strong and forced a turnover with just over four minutes of regulation left to play. They ran out the clock to clench the win with the final score reading 37-36.

This Division IV state final was historic as it marked the Braves' first football state championship in school history as well as the first for a Tuscarawas County school. The team finished with an overall record of 16-0 in the regular season and 5-0 in conference.

I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Indian Valley Braves' players, coaches, staff, families, and friends as we celebrate this victory of an undefeated season and a state championship title. Go Braves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today before you to shine light on the recent passing of my dear friend, mentor, and colleague, Kirk Schuring, a true giant amongst men and known around the State as the legislators' legislator.

He passed away on November 22, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Kirk Schuring was my mentor. He was the finest thing that ever came from Ohio. Being green, getting into the Ohio Senate, he mentored me as the chair of small business, and then I became chair for 4 years of government. When I was chair, he taught me how to really do policy. He also told me that every voice in Ohio must have a voice.

He was proud of doing hard work in policy and doing amendments so all Ohioans could be represented. That was his point of focus, to do policy work, the hard, heavy lifting that most people will never see.

Some of his accomplishments were he allocated $7 million for the jump-start of the expansion of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. He was instrumental in getting $50 million from the brand-new movie of ``Superman'' that was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio.

He was an advocate of the Canton Urban League, the Stark County Young Republicans, the Canton Jaycees, and a lot more than that.

Kirk Schuring will be missed. He was a dear friend, and Ohio is better that he existed.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity to speak about my mentor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the accomplishments of South Side Middle School in Columbiana, Ohio, as they were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024. I thank the Columbiana Exempted School District and their supportive educators and staff for leading students on the path to success.

As a resident of Columbiana County, I am proud to be able to honor South Side Middle School for their exceptional work as upstanding academic leaders in the community.

The teachers and faculty not only strive for students to achieve their academic goals but are also invested in the well-being of each student. They go above and beyond, focusing on academic success but also the students' growth as an individual.

We are grateful for the gifted teachers and staff of the Columbiana Exempted School District for the countless hours of time and energy they invest into youth education, as it is having a profoundly positive impact on our children.

I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing South Side Middle School in Columbiana, Ohio, as we congratulate its students, teachers, staff, and families on their accomplishments and their contributions to the community. These admirable citizens illustrate the preeminent standard of the Ohio educators and community leaders I am proud to represent. May their work continue to be a blessing to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the success of Harding Middle School in Steubenville, Ohio, as they were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024. I thank the Steubenville City School District and their determined, compassionate, and caring staff for guiding students to success.

I am proud to be able to honor Harding Middle School for their exceptional work as upstanding academic leaders in the community. The teachers and faculty not only strive for students to achieve their academic goals but are also invested in the well-being of each student. The educators of this district devote excessive amounts of their time and energy to the success of their learners because they understand the great impact it will have on the students' lives and the advancement of their region.

I want to acknowledge and thank the Steubenville City School District's gifted teachers and staff for their dedication to the prosperity of Ohio's youth.

I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in recognizing these honorable leaders, pillars of Harding Middle School in Steubenville, Ohio, as we congratulate them on their accomplishments and their contributions to the community. These admirable citizens illustrate the preeminent standard of the Ohio educators I am proud to represent. May their work continue to be a blessing to our industrious Nation.